France favorites in World Cup, experts cite potential weaknesses
BBC Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 9, 2026, 11:36 AM
Last updated Jul 9, 2026

France, having won all five matches and scored 14 goals in the World Cup, faces Morocco in the quarter-finals at 21:00 BST. Despite their impressive performance led by Kylian Mbappe, analysts highlight potential weaknesses, particularly in defensive control compared to Spain, who may present a significant challenge in the semi-finals. There is a consensus among pundits that while France is a strong contender, they are not unbeatable, as Spain has previously secured victories against them.
- •France has won five matches and scored 14 goals in the World Cup.
- •They face Morocco in the quarter-finals at 21:00 BST.
- •Analysts suggest Spain could be a major threat in the semi-finals.
- •Spain remains unbeaten with a strong defensive record in the tournament.
- •Pundits note France's weaknesses in defensive control can be exploited.
- 11:36 AMBBC Sport — France's superstars are beatable - and these are their weaknesses
"France are the overwhelming favourites to win the World Cup. BBC Sport asks some of its reporters in America what they think?
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
Soccer•Jul 9, 2026, 12:47 PMPutellas: Joining LCL allows me to reinvent myself...
Soccer•Jul 9, 2026, 12:40 PMMorocco's unfinished business with France- Soccer•Jul 9, 2026, 12:35 PMWorld Cup 2026: Norway changes hotel due to excessive noise just days ahead of England game
- EPL•Jul 9, 2026, 12:35 PMInsigne pays tribute to Sampdoria legend Vialli: ‘Your example will live on’
- Champions League•Jul 9, 2026, 12:31 PMPiers Morgan sends brutal response to Gabriel Agbonlahor over Cristiano Ronaldo criticism
- FIFA World Cup•Jul 9, 2026, 12:31 PMJustin Bieber Is Headlining The World Cup – But UK Fans Will Be Upset
